Tree care companies provide a wide range of services to keep trees healthy and safe. These services include trimming and pruning, which can improve a tree’s appearance and promote growth.
Other specialized services include soil management, such as fertilization, which ensures that the soil has the right nutrients for the tree’s health. Pest management and emergency tree removal are also common services tree care companies provide. Contact Higuera Tree Care now!
The soil is the foundation of a tree’s health, growth and aesthetics. Unfortunately, this vital aspect of a landscape is often overlooked by homeowners. Healthy soil is the key to providing nutrients, water and oxygen to roots.
Soil management includes a wide variety of services, such as amending the soil composition, adjusting the pH, boosting nutrient levels and maintaining soil moisture. These strategies ensure that trees receive the nutrients, water and air they need to thrive in a variety of conditions.
Managing the soil helps prevent a variety of problems, including root damage from construction activities, poor drainage and compaction. It also promotes better aeration and nutrient absorption, which can reduce the risk of water pooling around the base of the tree and lead to root rot.
The ideal soil for most tree species is a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay with organic materials. Coarse, sandy soils offer large pores for roots to grow, while dense, clay soils hold moisture well but can be difficult for roots to absorb essential nutrients. The best way to determine your soil type is through a soil test.
Regular soil testing is essential for ensuring that your tree has the right balance of nutrients and minerals. Most soil is deficient in at least one important nutrient, which can have serious consequences for the overall health and appearance of your landscape.
Soil test results can be used to make a variety of soil management decisions, such as adding organic matter to improve aeration and encourage root absorption. Organic matter also supports the activity of beneficial microorganisms, which break down and cycle nutrients through the soil. Adding compost or other organic material to the soil in a 2-to-3-inch layer all the way up to the drip line of the tree and working it in gently is an effective method for improving soil.
Maintaining steady soil moisture is another important aspect of soil management, especially in the MetroWest area where weather can be unpredictable. Too little or too much moisture can hinder root growth and damage roots, and both issues can be easily avoided with proper irrigation management. Using an irrigation system that monitors weather and soil conditions can help avoid over or under-watering, keeping the soil in a consistently hydrated state.
Root Management
Trees have a complicated underground system that is crucial for their stability and ability to take in water and nutrients. Keeping these hidden parts healthy is essential for the overall health of the tree and can be a challenging task. The right tools and solutions are needed to make sure that a tree’s root system is able to grow into its full potential and remain stable. Using modern-day tree service business software like ArborStar’s mobile app for tree care can help to streamline the process of monitoring, managing and repairing tree roots.
When trees are planted near buildings or other paved surfaces, the exposed roots can create problems such as tripping hazards and soil erosion. This can lead to damage and expensive repairs. By following these tips and solutions, tree managers can minimize exposure of tree roots to protect the health of the trees while also maintaining a safe environment for the public.
The first step is to ensure that the soil is not too compacted and that there is adequate pore space for roots to grow into. This is done through aeration where high-velocity air tools are used to loosen up the critical root zone and allow for increased oxygen and nutrient flow.
Aerating the roots of a tree will promote healthier soil and help to improve the resiliency of the root systems against the effects of construction and heavy traffic. Having well-aerated soil will also help to reduce the amount of water and nutrients that is lost through evaporation.
In urban areas, a tree’s roots can become compacted due to construction and heavy traffic which can limit their growth. To help with this, the use of root grates is often recommended as they help to spread out the pressure of the roots and allow them to get access to more pore space in the soil.
Regular inspections are needed to check for signs of problems with a tree’s roots. Some signs to look for include; physical damage from construction works; disease and pests; as well as nutrient imbalances which can be corrected through proper soil management, appropriate watering practices and the use of beneficial fungi.
Pruning
Pruning helps trees develop strong architecture, which minimizes structural weaknesses that could lead to branch or trunk failure. It also removes dead or diseased limbs, as well as rubbing or crossing branches that impede airflow and invite pest infestation. The process may also be used to control tree size, open vistas or provide clearance for buildings or traffic.
Different pruning goals require different techniques and timing. Some types of pruning include cleaning, raising and reducing, removing suckers and water sprouts, and thinning and crown shaping.
Cleaning removes limbs that have died, are diseased or broken; crossing or rubbing limbs; limbs that rub against structures like fences or gates; and adventitious shoots. The goal is to remove only non-beneficial plant parts while retaining minimal live tissue. This is often performed after storm damage or as a routine maintenance procedure in public spaces.
Raising involves removing lower branches to provide clearance for people, cars and property. It can also be done to promote airflow and reduce wind resistance, which can improve energy efficiency. This is often performed on utility line clearance trees as a safety measure.
Reducing density removes limbs to reduce canopy coverage or improve airflow and light penetration, often in urban areas. It’s important to prune densely covered trees regularly to keep them healthy and reduce the risk of limb failure during high winds.
Formative pruning is the practice of training young plants to grow in desirable forms and shapes. It includes guiding the growth of shrubs and small trees through careful pruning and training, and it’s essential in urban environments. Properly done formative pruning helps plants develop a durable structure, increase utility clearance and maintain aesthetics.
Pruning mistakes – even when the cuts are good – can put the health of your trees at risk. This is particularly true of open pruning wounds, which allow pathogens to enter vulnerable areas and cause infection or decay. Using the three-cut method – making an undercut, then a side cut and then removing the stub – and cutting at the correct angle reduces this risk.
Removal
Trees are a beautiful addition to any property and provide shade and aesthetic appeal. However, there are times when trees become a hazard to people or property and may need to be removed. This is typically the case when a tree has structural issues, including dead or rotting limbs that pose a risk of falling during storms or high wind conditions. Additionally, trees that are too close to structures or homes can be at risk of damaging the foundation due to their root system. Taking these issues into consideration, tree removal can be a complex process that should only be performed by a professional to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The removal process starts with a thorough assessment and planning. This helps professionals determine the best way to safely and efficiently remove the tree, taking into account its size, health, and location. Next, the work area is set up to protect individuals and property during removal. This can include securing the site, establishing safety barriers, and notifying nearby properties. Finally, equipment is selected and crew members are trained to perform the safest removal techniques.
Once the tree is removed, debris is cleared and wood chips are spread around the site to protect against future infestations. Invasive species like vines are also eliminated to prevent their spread into other healthy vegetation. When necessary, the area is replanted with native species to maintain ecological balance.
Proper tree care is essential for a healthy landscape. Invasive plants and pests can cause serious harm to the health of a tree, but sometimes a tree simply cannot be saved. Tree Time can help identify when a tree is beyond recovery and provides recommendations for the best course of action. Whether it’s removing diseased or damaged branches, pruning to reduce the chance of future damage, or replanting with new species that can thrive in the environment, our experts are here to help. Contact us for more information about our tree services or to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout the greater Houston area.